Outdoor Setting

So I love the outdoor setting. But I already appreciate a black cushion might have been a misguided idea. EEEEEEP! Dog hair!!!!

But once the deck is oiled (next weekend's task - sorry Donna :P) and some cushions are on I think it will work well.

That and any pug seen even looking at that couch dies :P

 

The right half of the outdoor deck

 

Here you can see just how much the deck needs
to be cleaned and oiled. That's next weekend.

The Deck

When I was designing Parkview, one area I had high hopes for was the deck. But since we've been in it's become a dumping ground for bikes, outdoor toys, and clotheshorses. Hardly a welcoming relaxing space and since you can see it from the hall and back parts of the house when it's messy the whole place looks messy.

But, my friends, that is all about to change thanks to a chance visit to an outdoor furniture retailer today!

We were only cutting through to go to the BBQ store, when we spotted a nice outdoor couch. It was LARGE (a very generous 3 seater). And then the salesperson explained it actually flattens out into a double bed sized daybed.

Of course - it's a large deck so needs a bit to fill it. Hence we've ordered two daybeds - to arrive next Saturday

 

Am seriously considering mounting the spare TV out there, too, so we can lounge around outside and use it much more as a living space. It's really a great spot with plumbed gas, powered and even data/phone points.

We've also ordered the matching coffee table but it's on backorder. Still - for now deciding on cushions to decorate the daybeds will keep me busy ;(

I should add that one of the things which 'sold' me on the daybeds is that Sean very decidedly wanted them. Usually he'll leave the decor selections pretty much to me. But these ones he was actively promoting. And since he really asks for so little, how could I say no to something he did want? Especially since the daybed is so comfy ;)

Plant Ponderings

So the entryway needs more definition, so I am considering planters on either side (beneath the sidelights). Am not sure what to plant as it's quite a shaded spot but ideally I want something hardy, scented, glossy and green and with a white flower. Oh - and something which thrives on neglect.

Not asking much, am I??

 

 Am thinking of twin planters like these

either side of the front door

Other immediate plans for the week are hanging some baskets inside the pantry (so handy - miss them from our old house) and hanging some more art work.

Painted Gates

Yesterday Sean put the first coat of colour on the side gates. I had been certain I wanted them grey but then I noticed how dusty the front door gets. While I have the time and energy (just) to keep the front entry looking nice, I refuse to devote that sort of time to the side gates!

Also I was less certain about the colour when I mocked it up. So we've gone with the default 'Dune' colour and I am pleased with it :)

 

Left hand gate

 

First coat looking good :)

 

Right hand side also with first coat

In other news we've also been doing bits and pieces in the garden. I lost a gardenia or two so those were replaced in the front. Thankfully now the irrigation is in the gardenias (indeed all the plants) are really thriving.

Also planted an Orange Jessamine (Murraya paniculata) or commonly known as a Mock Orange in a spot out the back. When it grows it should be lovely and green with highly fragrant flowers in Summer (and periodically throughout the year). I love the idea of a fragrant garden, so this is another welcome addition!

 

Mock Orange out the back

Irrigation Part 2

A quick stop at Mitre 10 today paid off. 25 meters of poly-pipe were secured! So today, along with undercoating the side gates, Sean finished the irrigation system. AND he's added 2 x herb pots outside the back door for me, too! Fresh lettuce, basil, chives, parsley, rosemary, mint, dill and spring onions!

I am so pleased :)  We have also set the irrigation system up to top up a dog water bowl placed in the shade in the garden (a back up for their main bowl for when they are relaxing in the shade and don't want to leave the shady area).

Garden gates are looking good. I was certain I wanted them the dark grey colour until I Photoshopped it and it was way too dark. Now the white undercoat is on I am confirmed I want them the lighter Dune colour. Helps we have masses of it spare!

 

Side gates undercoated.

Irrigation

Another busy weekend here at Parkview. Yesterday Sean put in the first half of our irrigation system.

We have not yet concealed the main hose under the mulch, but we have connected the first of the drippers to it. Basically each plant will have its own drip feed of water. The drippers are variable flow, so I can set each plant to get the correct amount of water.

The system runs from the tap at the front of the garden (right near the letterbox) and will eventually end at the front on the other side basically running along side the back and then side fence. However for now it stops just behind where the TV is inside. Unfortunately the recent hot weather means everyone is thinking irrigation and so poly pipe is sold out everywhere. Thankfully it's an easy task to join additional pipe when it becomes available.

The whole system is on a timer, so I can set how long and how often I want to irrigate and it will happen automatically. Very convenient!

But it's not just the plants who are set to benefit from the irrigation system. The local birdlife is also going to enjoy it. We've set up a hanging bird bath which will also have a dripper - so the bowl will be topped up every time the irrigation runs. We've put it in the shade and nestled amongst some branches - and we're hopeful it will attract some of the local birds to pay a visit!

The Garden

So now we've been in a while, I can report on the progress of the garden!

This week our lovely magnolias have started to bloom! Not every plant - but quite a few. Actually that side of the house is looking quite nice - everything is growing and looking good!

The gardenias down the side at the front are doing OK. Some are doing well and flowering, but we have lost a couple. Will be out replacing those this weekend.

Across the back my crab apple and pear are both doing well. The opulus is OK but not thriving.

However I have, sadly, lost my forest pansy. It just did not make it. So I am considering a weeping cherry or similar to replace it.

Now it is Jacaranda season I am longing for one in the back. Of course, I forget the awful mess they make (not the blossoms - when they lose all their foliage). Just the riot of purple is SO pretty!

I did find my Flemmings Tree Guide a few days back, and am seriously considering a Lilac. Overlooked, in my opinion! Gorgeous, scented, pretty as! What more could one want?

I might ask Santa for one for Christmas!

Garden Update

I realised that I have not posted a pic of the front of the house since the tape for the lawn has come down. So accordingly here are some shots I took this morning.

The grass has had its second mow and is looking good, the plants are all coming along nicely, and other than the side gates needing a paint, and the flyscreens too, we're now pretty much finished with the front of the house.

And I am pleased!

I wanted a house which sat well within its environment. And maybe I am kidding myself - but I think it does.

 

My lovely oak all green and fresh out the front

 

Front from another angle

 

Left hand garden bed

 

Gardenia hedge on the right

 

Looking up the street - the sea
of green now the oaks have leaves

 

A little bit of garden art Oscar
found and loved at Bunnings

Inside there is still so much which needs to be done. Some of it is in hand, though, like more curtains and shutters. I really really need to get on with buying a rug for the back room. I have been putting it off - but I might pop out to some rug shops today and see if anything appeals.

First Haircut

So yesterday saw the front lawn have its first haircut.

It was probably a week overdue - and really needed to be done as it was wet near the roots even after a scalding day. So it had to be cut back to allow more light near the roots and to let it breathe.

 

The first mow

 

It was getting a little long

 

The front done

 

And the back mowed and about to be edged

Left today is to install the can crusher next to the recycling bin. And possibly install the clothes line.  Also the final parts on the longest project so far - the shed.  The shed has been such a drama I think it deserves a post all of its own. So stay tuned ;)

Grass!

There's really not much else to say is there???

 

The front

 

From the path

 

Same from another angle

 

Camellias and lawn

 

Side with magnolias

 

Rain chain properly in place

 

The cubby in pride of place!

And more on the garden

Today saw more progress in the garden. The front has been fully mulched - and in the back they have shoveled it in to place, ready to spread properly tomorrow. It looks great!

Also the whole place has been cleaned up, ready for turf to go in. I can't wait :)  I think it's going to really make a difference to the overall look of the house.

Tomorrow we're also having fence palings installed on the inside of our fence - to stop Oscar from climbing the runners into next door where they have a pool.

Today also saw the cubby being stocked with the shelves and kids' toys. They were so excited to access their beloved cubby and have all their treasures reinstated. Also means the spare bedroom is now basically vacant - which is fortuitous as we bought a spare bed and base for there today. Just a double (we don't often have couples stay - most often it's Grandma who will sleep over if she's minding the kids when we have a late night). Did consider going to a queen - but I already have barely used linen (which I really like) for a double! 

Will probably set that up tomorrow, so will post a pic then. In the interim, here's the latest from outside of the house :)

 

The left hand side and my camellias.

 

The gorgeous gardenias.

 

From another angle.

 

The front. Ready for some turf.

 

The same from another angle.

It's getting even closer...

And the plants are going in! I am so pleased - it's really starting to come together.

I ended up changing a few plant positions. Specifically the Forest Pansy. It was to go in the front left - but it ended up going near my rain chain. I am happy with it there. Also ordered another magnolia. 6 looked good - but seven would put a tree in front of every window and generally would look better. So it arrives tomorrow.

The rock lilies, magnolias, crab apple, pear, hydrangeas and other 'out the back' plants are going in tomorrow. Can't wait!

In other news the Internet was connected today. Phone, too. A big relief!

 

My Forest Pansy. Doesn't look like
much right now - but just you wait!

 

My gardenia hedge. SWOON!

 

I can just imagine this grown and in bloom.

 

A view down the side. Here you can see
my Magnolia and Rock Lily avenue.

 

My lovely luscious pear!

 

My Viburnum Opulus

 

Crab Apple waiting to go in

Turf is going in in the next day or two! That should make a real difference to the overall appearance of the place. Can't wait.

A big day in the garden - part two

My earlier post was from mid-morning. But so much got done today, I figured an end of day post was warranted, too. Gates are finished - so we're now officially locked up! Feels a lot more secure knowing I'm not going to have some random walking down the side of the house.

The soil has been moved around the back, and the landscapers started prepping the soil for planting.

The cubby was also assembled - and the kids loved it! They've not been able to go and play in it, yet - but even seeing it reassembled was cause for major happiness!

 

The assembled cubby - complete with

prepared topsoil ready for turf

 

Looking the other way towards the

paved brick area

 

Down the side - also ready to be turfed

 

You can see the cubby at the end in pride of place!

 

Left hand gate finished now too

 

Looking good!

 

Brick garden bed edging on the left

of the block (looking out to street) 

 

Same taken from street looking back

to the house. You can see the new gate

closed here, too.